This is a place where I share my ideas and my writing and put into practice my hopes for greater connection, critical thinking and clear expression amongst people who care about our world, our communities, and each other. Social and political issues, writing, language, fathers and fathering - these are some of the things you'll find here.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

GetUp! petition to keep kids out of immigration detention

With all that bluster and our waiting with baited breath to see if 'rebel' Liberal backbencher Petro Georgiou could wring any concessions out of the Howard government to humanise its inhumane immigration detention regime – they did agree to keep children out of detention. Now it seems they are going to renege on that deal. No surprises there. John 'read my lips' Howard is no stranger to breaking his promises when it suits him…

GetUp! has launched another major campaign to stop them from backpeddling and sneaking in mandatory detention of children of asylum seekers, and child asylum seekers, through the back door – the 'Pacific solution':

Right now, the Government is trying to enact radical new laws to send all children who arrive via boat seeking asylum to detention centres on remote islands in the Pacific.

Last year, we decided no child fleeing persecution should be made to suffer like this. But – after 42 West Papuans were granted asylum last month – the government wants to change the rules. They want to push this inhumane legislation through next week.

No child should be in detention! No child seeking asylum in our country should be automatically locked up - let alone in some other country! Australia must not bypass its responsibility to help those seeking refuge by handballing them to another country. The government, parliament and Senate are accountable for ensuring we meet our obliglations, and must be held to account if these laws are passed!

Click here to sign their petition, and to view the preview of the TV advertisement they launched on Australian commercial TV on the 4th of May.

Thanks Rob. It is not too late to show support for this campaign. GetUp! has launched an urgent appeal for more signatures for the petition before parliament considers the legislation. Check out my latest post on this here.

About Me

I am a writer and a reader, and believe in the power of words and images to make a difference. I make a basic living helping other people's words look good, and need to express my ideas in my own words and images to keep sane. I am also a father: my two young sons are currently the joy and challenge of my life, and I'm loving it.